Despite the Saturday afternoon crowd cheering from inside Neyland Stadium giving cues as to the time of year, the temps outside are screaming summer not fall. With temperatures reading in the mid-90s this week, it is hard to tell that fall is actually here, but we all know how quickly the weather can change and pretty soon we will be wearing our gloves and warm coats and putting our sandals away for the winter.
The changing of the seasons also signifies that everyone’s beloved outdoor time is coming to an end and packing up the summer furniture is something that needs to be done. After many years of use, is your outdoor furniture starting to break down? Is it possibly time to say goodbye and invest in new furniture?
Here are a few things to note when assessing your outdoor patio furniture this year:
First, are there rips and tears in your furniture fabrics?
If so, it may be time to replace them. If they are not easily replaced or are in generally good shape despite a few issues, it might be worth, and more cost-effective, to try repairing them first. Other things that affect outdoor fabrics include mold and mildew. If mold and mildew are too far gone and you are not able to remove them from the fabrics then it is best to replace them for health and safety reasons.
For dirt and stains, try treating them yourself before replacing them. Most outdoor furniture has removable fabric coverings that can easily be thrown into the washing machine. Make sure to follow instructions before washing to avoid unwanted issues.
Second, for wood furniture, it is important to examine a few things.
Check your wood furniture for soft spots, which could indicate rot, mold, and test it to make sure it is still stable enough to support the weight of an adult. If you come across any of these issues, it may be time to replace versus repair. When you do purchase new furniture, consider sealing and storing properly when not in use to protect the longevity of your furniture.
Third, metal furniture should be inspected for rust, weak spots, and sharp edges.
If you have any of the issues noted, it is time to replace it. Aluminum furniture if highly durable, but wrought-iron furniture should be stored properly outside of the winter elements for longevity.
Whether you are looking to buy new outdoor furniture now (hello, great deals!) or store your existing furniture, consider using Fox Moving and Storage climate-controlled long and short-term storage solutions.